Nagaland Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir (left) being welcomed by an official during his visit to the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema.
MEDZIPHEMA, AUGUST 20 (MExN): Nagaland Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir visited the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema, on August 20 and called for strengthening the institution, improving employment opportunities and enhancing coordination with the local community.
Jamir interacted with the Director and staff of the institute, which functions under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The interaction focused on manpower, employment, infrastructure, local labour and the institute's coordination with surrounding communities.
According to a statement issued by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee's Media & Publicity chairman Andrew Humtsoe, the institute currently has 17 sanctioned posts, against 48 posts initially proposed. Of these, only five are permanent posts, including the post of Director.
The MP also raised the long-pending service matter of 12 employees who have been working at the institute since 2006. Their case remains under litigation in connection with recruitment policy and regularisation of posts.
Jamir sought clarification from the Director on the prolonged pendency of the matter and expressed concern over the length of time it has remained unresolved. He assured the employees that he would take up the matter with the concerned Ministry and appeal for an appropriate remedy, subject to applicable rules and legal procedures.
He also called for strengthening the human resources of the institute and generating more employment opportunities. Jamir urged the Director and staff to work with greater commitment and ensure that the institute's activities, services and opportunities are better communicated to the public.
On local employment, Jamir called for close coordination with the village community and local youth. He said local workers should be treated with dignity and that difficulties faced by employees should be addressed through dialogue, with the assistance of the local administration where necessary.
The MP further stressed that the CIH should work closely with surrounding communities and build relations based on "mutual cooperation, trust and respect" for its long-term development.
The issue of encroachment around the institute was also brought to his attention. Jamir called for the matter to be addressed through proper coordination among the institute, administration and local community.
He said the CIH, as a Central Government institution located in Nagaland, should be strengthened as a centre for horticultural research, farmer training, skill development, employment generation and technological advancement for Nagaland and the wider North-East.
Jamir assured that matters requiring intervention at the Central Government level would be taken up with the concerned Ministry and authorities.
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